Classic Chicken Fried Steak
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe, featuring tenderized cubed steak coated in a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust and smothered in rich, homemade country gravy. This Southern-inspired dish is fried to crispy perfection in a cast-iron skillet, blending a medley of bold spices like paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne for just the right kick. Paired with creamy, peppery gravy made from savory pan drippings, every bite delivers a comforting, satisfying flavor. Ideal for a hearty dinner, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or green beans to complete this timeless, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in under an hour.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 4-6 oz each) cubed steak (tenderized beef steak)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 cup (for frying) vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk (for gravy)
- 1.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper (for gravy)
Instructions
Pat the cubed steak pieces dry with paper towels and set them aside.
In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Whisk to mix.
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together 3 eggs and 1 cup of milk until well combined.
Dredge each piece of cubed steak in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it once more in the seasoned flour. Set the breaded steaks aside on a baking sheet or plate.
Heat 0.5 cup of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the steaks in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry each steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack and keep warm.
After all steaks have been fried, carefully pour out all but 3 tablespoons of the oil from the pan. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the remaining oil and allow it to melt.
Sprinkle 1.5 tablespoons of flour into the pan and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly browned and fragrant.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Season the gravy with 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste.
Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped with the creamy gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4059 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 243.7 g | 312% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.0 g | 390% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1197 mg | 399% | |
| Sodium | 6716 mg | 292% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 235.2 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.3 g | ||
| Protein | 244.0 g | 488% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.0 mcg | 60% | |
| Calcium | 1080 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 32.8 mg | 182% | |
| Potassium | 3894 mg | 83% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
